Patch and Go

If most of the original sheet metal is intact, patch panels are often the best way to proceed.

We recently received a call from the guys at Lowrider about repairing a trunk floor that had been modified for use with a hydraulic system. They had large holes to fill, but the corrosion was minimal.

This is textbook example of where patch panels are ideal.

Large-Scale Patches

Many cars have body panels of immense proportions. The Impala, or any other full size Chevrolet passenger car can have quarter panels as long as 7-1/2 feet! In these cases, a complete reproduction quarter panel can be fairly expensive.

However, there's no need to replace the entire panel when, typically, only the lower areas around the wheel arches suffer from corrosion. Lower quarter panel patches are great examples of patch panels that can help you save a substantial amount of money in your restoration.

This passenger-side lower quarter patch panel measures approximately 24" x 89", allowing restorers to replace only the portions of the quarter panel that have been damaged by road debris and corrosion.

Patching vs. Replacement

This full-length Weld-Thru™ floor pan offers more strength and durability than a combination of sections can provide.

At some point, a patchwork of panels becomes less than ideal. Floors are a perfect example of where the long-term benefits of complete panel replacement are obvious.

Floors are exposed to more moisture, road debris, and corrosive elements than nearly any other section of bodywork, besides the wheel arches. A patch-and-go approach to floor panels can quickly resemble a jigsaw puzzle.

In the case of floor pans, the benefits of increased strength and durability from the fresh metal of a complete replacement panel quickly become obvious.

What's New in Sheet Metal?

One of the latest innovations in restoration sheet metal is our new Weld-Thru™ line. Instead of the traditional black EDP coating, these new sheet metal products are finished with a special silver weld-through primer, offering several advantages.

Important Considerations When Ordering Sheet Metal

We always recommend hiring professional paint and body services for best results. A professional will have the experience required to prepare and install the panels and tackle any unforeseen challenges along the way.

Sheet Metal Work is More Art than Science

Classic vehicles were largely hand-assembled and tolerances are not nearly as exact as they are on modern vehicles with automated assembly. All panels should be test-fitted before final paint and installation. This is to determine whether minor modifications, such as elongating mounting holes, adding additional shims, etc., are required.

No Two Vehicles Are Exactly Alike

It is important to note that when you have a vehicle that has been involved in a collision, has been subjected to the stress of racing, or simply shows the fatigue of high mileage and long life, there can be misalignment and even hidden damage within the substructure that can cause fitment issues.

A little about Classic

Recognized as the undisputed leader of the Restoration Parts industry, Classic Industries is one of the largest and respected distributors of reproduction, performance and original GM and MOPAR parts and accessories in the industry. Located in Huntington Beach, California, Classic Industries has provided over 1,000,000 customers with parts and accessories they've needed to restore their vehicles for over four decades.